Community/Civic Involvement: 1986 joined a local citizens movement to create a sidewalk from Naples Beach Hotel to Fifth Avenue South; joined an advisory committee to the Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization, served for seven to eight years; appointed to the Naples Community Services Advisory Board, served for 8 years beginning in early 1990s during which time Cambier Park was remade and a full master plan of all Naples city parks was carried out, including the initial plans for the land acquired by the city that is now becoming Baker Park; served on the Gulf Coast Runners board for nearly 30 years; helped to establish scholarships for local high school runners and grant funds for other youth-related running programs that have given out nearly $500,000; founding member of the Naples Pathways Coalition, a local nonprofit advocating for multi-modal transportation within Collier and Naples; involved in the first and second attempts to create the Conservation Collier program; involved in the Gordon River Greenway creation.

Q: Do you favor the Beach Club redevelopment as recently approved by the Naples Planning Advisory Board? If not, what changes would you advocate and why?

A: Yes, I approve of the redevelopment of the Beach Club by the Athens Group selected by the Watkins family, understanding, however, that the approval process is still ongoing with input from all stakeholders before final approval is granted by the City Council. Of utmost importance to me is the preservation of the green space (golf course) in perpetuity as well as maintaining the openness to the public of areas on the hotel side of the property, as the Watkins family has been doing for many years.

Q: On redevelopment in general, what would be your criteria for granting variances on building height, lot coverage or setbacks?

A: As criteria I would look to the city Code of Ordinances, the city’s Growth Management Plan and the “vision” as established by the city residents. It must be noted that all of the above are currently undergoing a review by the citizens, city advisory boards and City Council.

Q: Has the City Council adequately addressed stormwater management and water quality? What additional steps may be necessary?

A: The City Council and staff are presently in the process of addressing stormwater management and water quality. These are complex and interrelated issues with numerous ever-changing variables.

I believe that some additional steps are needed: More aggressive cleaning of the water that is planned to be conveyed further off shore then the existing outfalls along the beach; more attention must be paid to properly clean and then maintain the lakes that exist within the city; a much more aggressive plan is needed to clean up Naples Bay; we need to recognize the scientific fact that the water level of the Gulf is rising and that we must take action to protect the city’s coastline and surrounding waterways.

Q: Does the city host too many special events? About the right number? What changes to special events policy are needed?

A: Yes, the city does host many special events. Almost all were being hosted on Fifth Avenue, Cambier Park and Third Street. However in recent years many of the special events have shifted to other areas of the city, such as Fleischmann Park.

Furthermore, city staff has created mechanisms to track special events by monitoring attendance numbers as well as the affects on traffic and residential disruption. The city is also looking at utilizing new venues to host events such as the new Baker Park. All the while the city will make sure that we do not "over-event" existing venues to host such special events.

Q: Does the City's ethics ordinance need to be changes? If so, in what way?

A: Yes, I believe the city's ethics ordinances need to be changed, but not in a large or costly manner. The change I prescribe is creating a volunteer position to advise City Council and staff on ethical matters. This position could be ably filled by a local area person well-versed and trained in teaching or handling ethical matters. I further envision this person serving as the educational element for all things dealing with ethics and primarily to give independent and confidential advice to any city employee about a potential ethical issue.

Q: What sets you apart from the other candidates?

A: I am the only candidate who has been a full-time resident of the city for over 33 years. I have played a role in helping it evolve while still maintaining the safety and well being of the citizens and preserving the charm and natural beauty of the city.

I am running for office as a citizen who is not beholden to any special interest groups. The support for my campaign has come from local individuals I have known for many years. The only group I seek to represent are the citizens of the entire city who, like me, seek someone to work collaboratively with other members of the City Council, city staff, and citizens to reach decisions that are in the best interest of the entire city.

If elected I will provide a fresh voice with the independent perspective of a longtime city resident to help shape the future of this city.